Abstract: Compositions, methods, uses and assemblages for the preferential induction of cell division cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, in a first population of cells compared to a second population of cells employ either: (i) an opioid or opioid-like agent and an NF-?B activating agent, which agents are other than the opioid-like agent trans-U50488 in combination with an NF-?B activating agent selected from etoposide and nocodazole; (ii) a ligand for a sigma receptor, or (iii) an opioid or opioid-like agent wherein the cells of the first population are other than tumour cells.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, uses and assemblages for the preferential induction of cell division cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, in a first population of cells compared to a second population of cells employ either: (i) an opioid or opioid-like agent and an NF-?B activating agent, which agents are other than the opioid-like agent trans-U50488 in combination with an NF-?B activating agent selected from etoposide and nocodazole; (ii) a ligand for a sigma receptor, or (iii) an opioid or opioid-like agent wherein the cells of the first population are other than tumor cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of testing agents, such as sigma ligands for their potential use in treating posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The present invention also relates to the use of sigma ligands, such as sigma-1 antagonists in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing posterior capsule opacification (PCO), as well as methods of treating PCO using sigma ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay particularly suited as a high-throughput screening assay for identifying novel compounds for use, for example, as anti-tumour, angiogenesis-modulating and/or anti-inflammatory agents, the assay being based on determining calcium levels within normal and abnormal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the finding that sigma receptor ligands can modulate endothelial cell proliferation and/or survival, and hence control angiogenesis, and in particular that sigma receptor ligand antagonists can be used to inhibit angiogenesis aid so treat conditions such as psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy and cancer. Exemplary compounds include IPAG and rimcazole.

Abstract: Agents which modulate pathways of apoptotic induction or repression in which products of opioid peptide precursors genes participate, useful as inducers of apoptosis in cells and in tumor cells in particular, are disclosed. Methods of treatment employing such agents and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are also described.